Despite inspiring Barcelona to a domestic double of La Liga and the Copa del Rey in 2017-18, Messi was overlooked for the final three-man list in favour of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah.

Antoine Griezmann claimed it was "bizarre" that a FIFA award will not recognise any of France's World Cup-winning stars, but his Atletico team-mate thinks it is ignoring Messi that ruins the credibility of the prize.

"The award is for the best player in the world. For me, today, it's Messi. Just like in previous years," he told Globoesporte .

"When he's not there, it loses credibility. It doesn't matter who wins the World Cup or the Champions League. He's the best."

45 - Lionel Messi finished the 2017-18 campaign as the top scoring player in the Top 5 European Leagues (all competitions); netting one more than both Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo. Sensations. pic.twitter.com/Uw9BZ919K8